850-hp Shelby GT500 Super Snake goes on sale

The first 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake was delivered to the new Shelby Automotive Museum in Southern California on Dec. 26, 2013. The 850-hp, Grabber Blue pony car wearing chassis number 14SS0010 will take its place among the rest of Shelby's classics, and it will also join the Shelby Registry.

Shelby American is offering two Super Snake packages for 2014. The lesser upgrade adds cosmetic tweaks, a Shelby cooling package, Wilwood front and rear brakes, 20-inch wheels, upgraded tires, a new muffler kit, a short-throw shifter, and a bunch of suspension upgrades. It costs $28,995, in addition to the cost of a GT500, which is $55,935.

The more expensive package includes all of the other upgrades, and it adds a 3.6-liter Kenne Bell supercharger to boost engine output to 850-hp. This package costs $39,995.

“Many consider the 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake to be the pinnacle of the outgoing solid axle Mustang line,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “Carroll was very proud of its breathtaking performance, which was developed after Ford upped the GT500's capabilities in 2012. Since he was personally involved with both the pre-title GT500 and post-title Super Snake package, it's fitting that the first car off our new factory line would be for Carroll's Trust.”

Only 500 examples will be built at Shelby's new factory in Las Vegas. Each will be numbered and documented in the Shelby Registry.

Prospective buyers can go to shelbyamerican.com and build one now or contact Shelby's sales department at (702) 942-7325.